Action Research Project Progress

Initially, it was difficult to establish meaningful associations with colleagues from within the organisation due to the contentious nature of the research. In discussion with the researcher’s mentor, the following steps were undertaken:

  1. Discussions about the scope of the AR Project were considered with Mentor (Head of Campus). Initially, the focus of the project was to encompass mentoring roles within the school, however this focus broadened as the project developed.
  2. A prospective outline for the project was created with emphasis placed on the need to address the role of the beginning teacher within the school
  3. A draft of potential colleagues to approach for collaboration was created, taking into account their connection with the researcher and their suitability based on their teaching experience as a whole and within the school context
  4. A draft of potential participants was created, encompassing 2 campuses but finally being restricted to participants from the senior (Year 7-12) campus in order to restrict the size of the sample and promote effective generalisation of results
  5. Assistance was sought from the School Head of Professional Development in relation to data that was appropriate to the study
  6. Potential colleagues were approached to form the AR project group
  7. Potential participants were approached to gain consent to participate
  8. AR Project group, in consultation with the Mentor and Deputy Head of Campus developed research questions
  9. Teacher surveys conducted and data collated
  10. Following analysis of the date, AR Project group decided to pursue Informal Interview process
  11. Informal interviews conducted and data collated